MALAYSIAN INCONGRUITIES

The fast-growing foreign fashion and celebrity cult and their patronage by the Malaysian elite is a trend that is worth serious reflection lest they become synonymous with the upbeat mood inspired by globalisation – a mood which has the potential of drowning the PM’s call for glocalisation

The overriding claim that Malaysian fashion, in particular Islamic fashion, needs to be showcased regularly at home and abroad bears little sense when the lavish designs which appear on the catwalk are the very antithesis of Quranic teachings about modesty and restraint. Besides, the claim that there needs to be a global trend in Islamic dressing shows little regard for the uniqueness of each Islamic culture shaped by its own history and traditions. Malaysian Muslims dress in particular ways which make them outstanding among the other Muslim peoples.

Alarming too is the free ride taken by some charities on the fashion bandwagon. The fact that these charities support orphanages, diseases and disabilities makes fund-raising events like fashion shows incongruous to the cause. It then becomes unbearable to see a table of orphans, disabled children and  their administrators being treated to ostentatious displays of decor and dress which they do not understand at all.

 Another trend receiving much publicity is the import of foreign celebrities to promote a local cause. While the argument that these actors and singers and even politicians lend glamour to the event and bring in the corporate sponsorship, one wonders if this hijacking of the concept of corporate social responsibility is something Malaysia really wants or needs.

Corporate social responsibility must transcend token cheques doled out to prestigious organisations who have great financial resources to invite these prominent people. Small groups and individuals who want to contribute in some little way to society struggle for want of support.

It’s high time the movers and shakers of the public and private sectors rethink their strategies and spare a thought and some cash for those of us who want to effect change in little ripples. After all, if  more people are committed to contribute their skills and expertise to make Malaysia a better place does this not reflect an egalitarian society where people are given equal opportunities?

THINKING MERITOCRACY

Definitions of meritocracy on the Web:

• a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects
• the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth
  wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn 
• Meritocracy is a system of a government or other organization wherein appointments are made and responsibilities assigned to individuals based upon demonstrated talent and ability (merit). …
  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy 
• Rule by merit, and talent. By extension, now often used to describe a type of society where wealth, income, and social status are assigned through competition
  en.wiktionary.org/wiki/meritocracy 
• meritocratic – relating to or characteristic of a meritocracy; “meritocratic society”
  wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn 
• the idea that merit and individual effort, rather than one’s family or social background (including race, gender, class and legacy), determine one’s success, one’s social and economic position. Similarly, the idea that social inequalities are the result of individual differences in merit and effort.
  www.understandingrace.org/resources/glossary.html 
• A system of government whereby a particular standard of ability is used as the basis by which political leadership is determined or accrues to an existing elite.
  www.parliament.vic.gov.au/SARC/E-Democracy/Final_Report/Glossary.htm 
• 1. A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement. 2. (A) A group of leaders or officeholders selected on the basis of individual ability or achievement. (B) Leadership by such a group. [The American Heritage Dictionary]
  thepiggovernment.wordpress.com/dictionary/ 
• a system that rewards an individual based on their own talent and ability.
  www.deanza.edu/faculty/leeethan/glossary.html 
• A system in which the talented are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement.
  www.talentrecessions.com/terminologycontent.html

Meritocracy

 – The Progeny of Democracy –  

 

By: William Meader 

Democracy is the fastest growing political system in the world today.  When considering the last few decades, the spread of democratic values has been astounding. Throughout the world, people are rising to the note of freedom. Indeed, the yearning to participate in community and governmental decisions has reached an historical crescendo. The walls of totalitarian control are crumbling everywhere, and this, due to the “urge to be free” inherent in the human soul itself. The rise of democratic ideals is simply a part of the unfolding realization of humanity’s higher purpose and potential. When examining the long history of human evolution, democracy was destined to emerge. The evolution of the human spirit demanded it be so. Yet, from the ancient esoteric perspective, democracy is not the ideal form of social governance, but only a necessary stepping stone toward it. For in the distant future, the social system of meritocracy will supersede our prized democratic way of life. Indeed, it is an inescapable form of governance destined to be woven into the fabric of human living. The only uncertainty is the question of time.

 

Meritocracy is similar to democracy, but with an important addition. While it recognizes the value of full participation within society, it also advocates the importance of including meritorious hierarchy into the social and political landscape. It is a system that states that society should be structured around human ability rather than by wealth or aristocratic privilege. Upon close examination it can be seen that money and wrongful use of power has historically been the force that has defined the various hierarchies found within democratic societies. For example, people who wield tremendous financial resources are given undue leverage in shaping public policy in support of their personal interests. This has led to class distinction based upon wealth rather than on knowledge and character. A meritocracy eliminates this flaw as it now demonstrates within the democracies of today. In addition, it allows for an end to human distinctions based upon religious orientation or racial heritage. In a meritocratic system, a person’s ability (and willingness to apply it) is the cornerstone that defines his/her influence. And, to insure that the best attributes of an individual are brought forth, a meritocracy requires that all citizens be given the same educational opportunities. 

At this point it should be noted that there are two philosophic orientations upon which a meritocracy can be based. The first (and most commonly considered) uses intellect and personality competence as the primary measure for determining one’s merit (and therefore social standing). This is essentially an ego driven form of meritocracy. It suggests that those who are most intelligent in their dealings have the right to stand with greater authority within society. In some sense, this view of meritocracy is rooted in the Darwinian model of evolution. It is to apply the motto of the “survival of the fittest” into a social and political context. This is meritocracy, but not the form that esotericism advocates.

 

An esoterically structured meritocracy utilizes spiritual values and wisdom as the measure of merit, rather than intellect and personality ambition. While it still supports the idea that social influence must be earned, wisdom, and one’s commitment to the Good, are the cornerstones that define an individual’s place and authority within society. At the same time, a spiritually defined meritocracy acknowledges that at the deepest level, all people are equal. Given this, such a society must demonstrate a profound respect for the unique qualities of every citizen. Yet it also recognizes that there are vast differences in people when it comes to spiritual maturity and the development of consciousness. When looked at in this way, it can be seen that human consciousness is hierarchical, as is everything else in nature. In other words, within any society will be found people at varying stages in the development of their consciousness (understood within a multiple incarnational perspective). As such, a meritocracy offers greater influence to those who have demonstrated the broadest and wisest consciousness in support of humanity’s betterment. 

A major tenet of this form of meritocracy is that a society is a living system, and that all people within it need to find their rightful place within its strata. Importantly, the correct place also defines the functional contribution that a person can offer to society as a whole. In some sense, place and function are identical. In such a society, the greatest likelihood of happiness occurs when a person has found his/her rightful place within the larger living system, and this, based upon his/her demonstrated wisdom. Taken to its logical conclusion, when all people within a meritocratic system find their place, such a society would be nearly flawless. Crime would greatly diminish (if not completely cease), for crime is most often due to a misalignment of person with place, as well inequalities related to education and social opportunity. These inequalities and misplacements would be largely remedied within a wisdom-defined meritocracy. Undoubtedly, it is this that will eventually push humanity to meritocracy’s doorstep.

 

The definition of a meritocracy states that elevated influence within a social system is inversely related to personal interest. In other words, the wiser one is, the less attention s/he will pay to personal needs. The needs of the whole become the preoccupation of life. As one rises in influence within a spiritual meritocracy, he or she will demonstrate increasing degrees of personal sacrifice, for the whole is seen as all that is. Spiritual wisdom can only emerge when one is increasingly able to sense the fundamental oneness underlying human society. This inner sight is found in various degrees in the more enlightened of our human family. Unfortunately, it is not sensed by the many intelligent (though selfish) personalities that govern so much of the democratic processes today. Governance must be based upon an authentic vision of human unity. It is the gradual opening of the third eye (sometimes called the eye of vision) that makes such sight possible. When this is the case, decisions made will be guided by unitive vision, and will not be self-serving. This is foundational to the meritocracy of the future. 

In a spiritually-defined meritocracy, equal education becomes far more central than it is today, for only in this way will the abilities of every citizen be recognized and brought forth. Education will also shift in such a way that all issues will be understood as relative and contextual. Society will come to understand that polarized views represent an expression of both truth and falsity, and can only be rightly understood within the context of the larger whole. It is from this more balanced perspective that wisdom will emerge, rather than the narrow and partisan perspectives so strongly favored today. The day will come when people will no longer say, “I have found the truth,” but instead say “I have found a truth.” In addition, religious differences will be honored rather than feared. Because education supports diversity, respect for differing religious views is heightened. As a meritocracy evolves, it will become increasingly evident to its citizenry that religious differences are largely a matter of birth and cultural upbringing, and that each religion has something to contribute to the good of the whole. From this understanding, the distinction between a meritocracy and theocracy becomes apparent. A theocracy is a social order governed by one particular religion. Its leaders are exponents of that religion and are relatively intolerant of contrary spiritual or secular views. However, a spiritual meritocracy is not religious. It holds the view that all avenues of human expression have the potential of being spiritual (something quite different from religious). In other words, spirituality is not exclusive to religion. Education, government, science and the arts (to name just a few of humanity’s modes of creative expression) are all products of human consciousness, and are therefore spiritual.

 

In many ways, meritocracy will emerge as humanity gradually rises above the problems inherent in democracy. One of the obvious difficulties found in democratic systems is that everyone is given equal vote even though most are not properly educated on the issues for which they cast their vote. In today’s democratic society, a well-informed voter is a rare thing indeed. And, because a democracy makes decisions based upon the majority opinion, it is the uninformed masses that are steering society’s course. This problem inherent in democracy has been acknowledged for centuries. Many of the great minds in history have expressed concern over this democratic shortcoming. Aristotle himself had grave reservations about democracy for similar reasons. However, much of this would be solved in a meritocratic system. Because equal education is its central function, a meritocracy would far better educate its citizenry on the nature of the issues at stake. All issues will be examined in a balanced way (because education will have encouraged balanced thought). As a result, people will be far less prone to decisions based upon partisan attitudes and thirty-second sound bytes.   

In many ways, it was a meritocracy that Plato advocated in his most famous work, The Republic. He saw the dangers evident when people of power rise to positions of authority without the needs of the whole governing their motives. As a result, selfishly intelligent people make decisions that are contrary to the good of the whole, though usually personally beneficial. He believed that this is one of the greatest problems facing civilization and democracy. Plato was therefore convinced that society should be structured so that enlightened leadership will naturally emerge by drawing out the best qualities evident in everyone’s nature. For Plato, the merits that constitute enlightenment are not much different that what has been already discussed in this writing. He believed that wisdom, and an inclusive point of view, were essential. He felt that inclusive reason (a prerogative of the soul) must rise above one’s passions. In addition, virtue and impeccable character were qualities seen as indispensable. Interestingly, he also felt that those at the highest levels of governance should be without wealth or private property. Though this was to be legislatively mandated, people of such lofty levels of consciousness would normally find such renunciation to be quite natural. Quite the opposite of what we see in our Western democratic systems today. This was his solution to the subtle corrupting influence that power has over people. It involved a proven sacrificial element when serving society. And, from the esoteric perspective, sacrifice (rightly understood) is one of the strongest indicators that the soul is influencing a person’s life.

In this discussion, we have seen that a wisdom-defined meritocracy holds the promise of a much better and safer civilization. Over the last several decades, democracy has been spreading throughout the world, indicating that the desire for freedom and social participation is on the rise. This is certainly a positive development, and will lay the foundation for the emergence of meritocracy sometime in the future. As such, meritocracy is the progeny of democracy. Democracy is replacing the tyranny and totalitarian abuse that has controlled world affairs over the last several centuries. The establishment of freedom and democratic ideals is an essential prerequisite for a wisdom-defined meritocracy to come forth. In truth, the seeds of meritocracy are even now being planted within our society. Anti-discrimination legislation, efforts to widen educational opportunities for more people (who in the past had little chance of higher education), and the development of effective aptitude assessments, represent a few of the many seeds that support the emergence of meritocracy. Admittedly, much still needs to be done. Yet, we must always remember that understanding the evolution of civilization requires a long view. It is only when we look at the changing nature of culture and civilization over the course of many centuries that we see its progress. And, it is this same longer view (cast into the future) that is required in order to see the inevitability of a meritocratic world. The day will surely come, and each of us has the ability to till the soil in support of this promising future. 

© 2004  William Meader

Biographical Information:
William Meader is an author, teacher and counselor. Much of his work is focused on the subjects of Spiritual Creativity, the Evolution of Consciousness and the Art of Meditation. At present he is teaching in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He resides in Oregon, and can be contacted through his website at www.meader.org.

 

DANGEROUS CONCEPTS

The emotions being fanned by certain words and concepts have the potential of  being blown into raging fires if we don’t douse them early enough.  The people orchestrating the sparks of nationalism on both sides of the political divide see it fit to use language (verbal and non-verbal) to stoke extremist sentiments in the name of loyalty to king and country.

The matter is becoming serious enough for Malaysians who seek peace and moderation to speak up with a stronger and more united voice. People who articulate national aspirations must use the right communication strategies to achieve the greatest good for their country. There is the necessity of employing language which is non-provocative and neutral to put in place the discourse of peace, conscience and reason.  There is the need to use new terms to replace those that are being exploited to arouse  unsavoury sentiments.

There’s no doubt that certain concepts derived from the nation’s history are now being brandished acquiring new meanings in their modern contexts of use. Cross-lingual translation  has added cultural meaning to what the words denote or refer to, loading some concepts with more meaning than they originally had.

English nouns like “immigrant”  which refers to “a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country”; and “dominance” which denotes “power and influence over others” (The Oxford Dictionary), have a way of expanding their semantic fields when they are translated into the Malay words “pendatang”  and “ketuanan”. In English it would not be offensive to refer to one’s ancestors as immigrants. Recent arrivals of Hispanics in America or Pakistanis in the United Kingdom are referred to as immigrants.

In Malaysia, however, the Malay word  “pendatang” is fast becoming a taboo as race politics sows the seeds of interracial discontent and politicians hurl racial insults and challenge one another’s ancestries. Forgotten is the historical fact that our forefathers  – Malays, Chinese, Indians and others- came to this land in waves of migration over many centuries. The original settlers were the indigenous tribes who inhabited the hinterland.   

By the same token, the historically accurate fact of Malay political dominance ( in the early days of the Melaka Sultanate right through to the fight for independence from British colonial rule) is being overshadowed by arguments of commercial dominance and equal political participation. Insecurities arising from the questioning of status and privileges are encouraging a retaliation of sorts in the use of the culturally-loaded word “ketuanan” to suggest Malay racial supremacy while the more semantically accurate term “kekuasaan” has not been used. This in itself contradicts the notion of 1 Malaysia founded on the egalitarian principles of societal fairness and justice.

Even the idea that there was a deep understanding and careful bargaining among the ethnic leaders in the run-up to independence  is being whittled away as scholars and lay persons split hairs over the notion of a “social contract”.  The efforts of the founding fathers of  Merdeka to come up with a written Federal Constitution that intricately defines and describes every aspect of the new nation’s life are being trivialised as they quibble over words and concepts.

In order to prevent the prolification of these unproductive and circular discourses,  more public platforms platforms must be established offering reasoned arguments and concilliatory engagements whether in our own immediate networks or among the larger community. They must be visible and audible enough to douse the flames of hate and bigotry being spread by the new-order political exhibitionists disguised as citizen groups.

Unless Malaysians learn to use language with greater care and accuracy, there is the danger that what we say or write will instigate social unrest. Until we learn to articulate our thoughts and ideas peacably, peace and unity will elude us.